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boat cranks but wont startr

Just so I got this straight, the boat runs fine if you keep pushing the start button? Do you have any pics of the wiring that is spliced at the back and the back of the push button?

I would be looking to undo all the shotty work and fix any wiring that was cut into with solder and heat shrink tubing. I would also be removing the push button and trying a temp key or hot wire to eliminate it as the problem.

Based on what you just posted, replace the ignition with a standard key ignition.

I'm pretty sure that's what he has done, but something is goofed up in the wiring from where the prior owner put in the push button start. Who knows what that person did either under the helm or back at the engine?

You might be able to track down the prior owner and get some idea of what they did. Otherwise, I think you're going to need to rip it all out as Jake stated. It's something I might not take on so that's why I suggested taking it to ATL Marine.

Just so I got this straight, the boat runs fine if you keep pushing the start button? Do you have any pics of the wiring that is spliced at the back and the back of the push button?

I would be looking to undo all the shotty work and fix any wiring that was cut into with solder and heat shrink tubing. I would also be removing the push button and trying a temp key or hot wire to eliminate it as the problem.

I installed a standard key ignition and confirmed the wiring is correct. If I turn it all the way to start the engine fires and starts but i can't hold it in START long because I will ruin the starter.

My last boat did that. I found that during the start function, voltage went through a resistive wire. When the boat started and you went to the on position the voltage went from the resistive wire to another wire that was fused under the dash. These wires were feeding the coil. My coil was shorted. Got a new coil and replaced the fuse and all was fine. I have no idea if this will help you or not. This was on a 1985 Mercruiser inboard/outboard.

I installed a standard key ignition and confirmed the wiring is correct. If I turn it all the way to start the engine fires and starts but i can't hold it in START long because I will ruin the starter.